Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, has signed the 2026 Appropriation Bill into law, describing the fiscal document as “a breath of fresh air” that will usher in renewed development and cooperation across the state.
The signing ceremony took place on Thursday at the State Executive Council Chambers, Government House, Port Harcourt, marking a significant milestone in the state’s governance cycle. Governor Fubara expressed optimism that the newly signed budget would open a new chapter of progress, while reaffirming his administration’s commitment to the growth and stability of Rivers State.
He also assured the State House of Assembly of a cordial working relationship going forward, noting that the occasion symbolised the beginning of a healthier synergy between the executive and legislative arms. The Governor acknowledged the role played by former Rivers Governor and current Minister of the FCT, Nyesom Wike, in facilitating the meeting that paved the way for the budget’s passage and eventual assent.
Presenting the bill for assent, the Majority Leader of the Assembly, Major Jack, described the 2026 budget as ambitious, explaining that lawmakers subjected the estimates to rigorous scrutiny to ensure it would deliver meaningful development for the state.
Speaker of the Assembly, Martin Amaewhule, disclosed that the budget was not passed exactly as presented by the Governor. He revealed that lawmakers reviewed downward the proposed ₦6 billion allocation to PAMO University of Medical Sciences, a private institution that has been receiving scholarship support from the state government. According to him, the reduction followed the university’s failure to provide satisfactory explanations on the utilisation of previous funds and its failure to appear before the Assembly. Part of the allocation was redirected to the State Primary Healthcare Development Board.
Amaewhule said the adjustment was part of the Assembly’s oversight responsibility to ensure accountability and transparency in the management of public resources.
The 2026 budget, tagged the “Budget of Resilience for Growth and Development,” was passed earlier on Thursday. Governor Fubara had presented a fiscal estimate of ₦1,854,248,734,475.76 in July, representing a 24.5 percent increase over the revised 2025 figures.
